Appalachian Mountain Club

Conservation Research and Policy - The Appalachian Mountain Club (the AMC) actively fosters the protection, enjoyment and understanding of the outdoors. The AMC's Research and Policy Program conducts analyses of natural ecosystems to guide our efforts to protect natural and recreational resources from Maine to Virginia. This includes studying changes in land cover and land use and the impact of these changes on ecological and recreational resources; monitoring air quality and climate change impacts on Northeastern mountain ecosystems; analyzing in-stream flow criteria and hydroelectric dam operation impacts on river ecosystems and recreational resources; developing methods to reduce recreational user impacts on the region's*Refer to Schedule O, Pages 46-47 for Continuation*Conservation Research and Policy (Continued):mountains and trails; and studying the benefits and impacts of different transportation options and energy sources, including renewable energy, on the ecosystems of concern to the AMC. Achievements are exemplified by the development and successful implementation of the recovery plan for an alpine plant formerly listed on the federal endangered species list, publication of a national award winning "Ecological Atlas of the Upper Androscoggin Watershed", adoption by states of elements of AMC's wind power and solar siting guidelines and AMC's successful citizen science mountain monitoring program, Northeast Alpine Flower Watch and Flower and Fauna of the White Mountain National Forest.The AMC's Research and Policy program also works with conservation partners and local communities to build grassroots support for priority conservation projects. The Research and Policy Program participates in and comments on formal resource management programs and decisions at the local, state, and federal level; consults with industry and landowners to find equitable solutions to environmental problems; advocates for state and federal land protection, clean air, climate and energy policies, and trails funding, and facilitates member and public participation in local, state and federal environmental issues and policy. AMC's strategy for land conservation in the 100-Mile Wilderness region in Maine includes addressing regional ecological and economic needs through outdoor recreation, resource protection, sustainable forestry and community partnerships.

1. Education Program - The Appalachian Mountain Club (the AMC) works with approximately 30,000 young people each year through guided and self-guided programs designed to make the outdoors and the environment accessible and meaningful to people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Our programs serve participants from Maine to New Jersey and include day and overnight school programs (grades K-12), walk-on activities offered to families coming through the AMC's huts and lodges, weekend long skill-based trainings, to one to three-week outdoor summer adventures. Across programs, hands-on experiences teach participants how to enjoy the outdoors through skills-building and improved understanding of the natural world as well as how to minimize their impact on the environment. 2. Trails Program - The AMC staff and more than 5,000 volunteers are engaged in on-the-ground recreation management and trail maintenance on 1,823 miles of trails, including more than 300 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in five states. Many of these trails are on public lands, including the White Mountain National Forest, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Acadia National Park, and state parks throughout the region. The AMC offers a broad range of trail volunteer opportunities, including an adopt-a-trail program, teen trail crew programs, and volunteer vacations for adults interested in giving back through trail stewardship, amoung others. 3. Publications/Communications - The AMC encourages safe and responsible outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship through a variety of publications, including the Outdoors Bulletin, semi-annual Appalachia journal (the nation's longest running journal on mountaineering and conservation), and numerous retail books, maps, and field guides. Each publication stresses safety and stewardship and encourages volunteerism. Our website (www.outdoors.org) serves as an online resource for members and non-members seeking the latest information on outdoor adventures, lodging and program opportunities, backcountry conditions, volunteer opportunities, and outdoors skill-building.